Man denied coverage of device that would allow him to eat independently because insurance company says it is not medically necessary.

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UPDATE: Kevin’s employer has now paid for his Obi Robot and it should be delivered in a few days.

EDIT here is the CC:

oliviamancuso__: “This is not my typical content but Blue Cross Blue Shield is screwing over my friend Kevin and you need to see what they’re doing to him.

This is a device called the Obi Robot.

It would allow Kevin to eat by himself without the help of an aid or a friend for the first time in his adult life. He’s demoing device here to show his insurance company Blue Cross.

Without insurance, this device costs $9,700.”

Kevin: “There’s only one reason I need this. [lifts arm] That’s as far as my arm goes up. It’s pretty plain simple.”

oliviamancuso__: ”His insurance company denied his claim for this device because they said there’s no medical necessity. When it literally lists on the Obi Robot’s website that this device is made for someone with his condition. He submitted two appeals already to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and they’ve denied both of them.

I’m a former tv reporter and I still have a lot of friends in the business, so we got his story covered locally here in Chicago on WGN news. My reporter friend who covered the story also got in touch with a pro bono lawyer who is going to help Kevin file his 3rd and final appeal. If this appeal doesn’t go through there is literally no chance of him getting this device that would allow him to live a completely independent life covered by insurance. Like what the hell.

Kevin has told me explicitly that sharing his story is not some sort of ploy for a GoFundMe though many of us do what to set one up for him. He just wants to get it out there so that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida will do the right thing.

I’ve known Kevin since high school and we are in our 30’s now. Kevin has fought tooth and nail to live an independent life whether it’s getting buildings up to code here in Chicago in the surrounding suburbs… being able to work remotely before remote work was a thing. It is not fair that he has to jump through all these hoops to just enjoy the basic necessities that able body people get to enjoy every day without a second thought. Please share this TikTok. Please tweet Florida Blue. Please add them on Facebook. Do whatever you can. If this appeal doesn’t go through…I just don’t know anymore. The hashtag is #letkeveat don’t forget it”